A few months ago, I began the life long process of learning Argentine Tango. I attended a Milonga, which is an Argentine Tango party, and immediately fell in love with this unique dance. I couldn’t stop watching these people, locked in a close embrace, staring off into nowhere and competely oblivous to what was going on around them. Their movements were at times slow and sweet and at other times bold and dramatic but always connected to one another in a way I couldn’t see or understand. I had to experience this for myself.
As I was learning this wonderful dance, my teacher would occasionally make the statment “In Tango, As in Life….. . The most important one : “In Tango, As in Life, where you put your feet is very important”. These were funny at first, but the more I heard them the more I realized that Tango is not only a dance, but a lesson in life as well.
So thanks to Louie (my teacher) for the following lessons:
In Tango, As in Life…..
1. where you put your feet is very important – Every step offers countless possibilites and a few traps. Choose your path carefully and with much thought. Make each step precise and confident.
2. you must listen to the music - Listen for the subtle changes that can have great impact. React appropriately to what you hear.
3. without passion, you are just moving - Nobody ever succeeded at anything without passion. Be passionate about everything you do and success will come.
4. to lead you must think three steps ahead - Constantly dwell on the possibilites of tomorrow and the decisions you face. Always know where your next steps will take you.
5. no connection means no communication - Everything grinds to a halt if you have no way to communicate your intentions, desires or your response. Creating something beautiful, meaningful and positive in life, family or business requires constant, and unbroken, communication and connection.
5. is a journey - The time never comes when you say ” I have learned Tango”. There are countless possibilities to persue and a lesson to learn with each possibility
6. it takes two to Tango - Tango can be a beautiful expression, a fiery war between lovers, a sensual seduction or an inept mess between two people who are unable to communicate. You can’t Tango alone so connect with people. You can’t fight alone so admit your faults. You can’t succeed alone so celebrate you successes together.
I know there are many more and I will happily add to this list as I continue on my journey through life and Tango.
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Wow, David, that was a great article. Very well written; I can feel your passion for the dance in it!